In order to create political influence among countries in the Central American and Caribbean region, Hugo Chavez, the late President of Venezuela, created an energy alliance called Petrocaribe in 2005.

It’s a wonderful life: Being named a winner of AAPG’s Pioneer Award never occurred to J. Myles Bowen – despite his prominent role in a number of huge industry success stories, including the Nelson Field.

Location, location, location. In the sales world, it’s the secret to success. You can say the same about exploration – except there have been times in Latin America when finding a location was the secret.

Latin America’s current story of exploration, development and potential may be the best known among all parts of the globe – and not just because AAPG recently held its successful international conference in Rio de Janeiro.

It has a new name, a new energy and a new lineup of experts, all primed to spread geoscience knowledge around the world. “It” is AAPG’s newly named Global Distinguished Lecture Program – emphasis on the “global” – which dates back to 1941 but continues to be the Association’s flagship initiative for offering the latest in geologic science to AAPG affiliated geological societies and universities.

The story of geology and exploration in Venezuela has been written by dozens of geologists who made a difference in that country. By extension and through mentorship and writing, their impacts continue today.